Telescopes Among the Clouds

Near the summit of Maunakea, Gemini North — the northern half of the International Gemini Observatory operated by NSF’s NOIRLab — sits high above the clouds of Hawai‘i in the company of other Maunakea observatories. Being at an altitude of approximately 4200 meters (nearly 14,000 feet) above sea level allows the telescope to capture amazing views of the world beyond Earth’s atmosphere. In addition, Gemini North’s location also grants it stable weather and atmospheric conditions for many nights a year, giving a perfectly clear picture of the sky. At such a high elevation, clouds often form below the summit to form a cloud deck. As is the case in this aerial image however, there are times when clouds accumulate higher in the sky above these facilities. Of course, a few high clouds will not stop astronomers from using Gemini North to make the most of their observations!